Impuls

Impuls, a band focused on jazz-rock synthesis, was founded in 1973 by guitarist Zdeněk Fišer, keyboardist Pavel Kostiuk, trumpeter Michal Gera, and drummer Jaromír Helešic. Several bass players passed through the group’s lineup, including renowned double bassist František Uhlíř, before the role was ultimately taken over by the current bassist, Přemysl Faukner. Fišer drew primarily from rock and rhythm & blues roots, while the other musicians came from the world of modern jazz. Early on, the band was influenced by Miles Davis (particularly his electric period starting with Bitches Brew), as well as the progressive fusion music of John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Fourth Way, and Weather Report. Before long, however, the band’s repertoire shifted toward original compositions by its members, strongly reflecting Slavic musical traditions.

Thanks to its original take on fusion music, Impuls soon became one of the leading representatives of this contemporary jazz trend in Europe. They began recording for national radio and rose to wider prominence after their successful performances at the legendary Jazz-Rock Workshops of the Prague Jazz Days (documented on the albums Jazzrocková dílna 1 and 2). Additional studio recordings followed, consistently earning critical praise. As noted in one review: “They have refined their original blend of jazz, rock, Latin, funk and Slavic melodies even further, making that album one of the jazz-rock masterpieces even in global context.” Impuls has performed repeatedly and successfully abroad, and today the group plays as a quartet consisting of Zdeněk Fišer (guitar, vocals), Pavel Kostiuk (keyboards), Přemysl Faukner (bass), and Jaromír Helešic (drums). The music of Impuls represents a distinctive fusion of sophisticated contemporary jazz with elements of rhythm & blues and influences from Slavic folk music. Recordings by Impuls can be found on the CD Czechoslovak Jazz Rock: Impuls (2008) as well as on various anthologies, such as Bigbít / Czechoslovak Jazz Rock (1998) and the notable compilation Between or Beyond Iron Curtain (2001).

Zdeněk Fišer – g; Pavel Kostiuk – keys; Přemysl Faukner – b; Jaromír Helešic – dr.

Admission: seating CZK 400, standing CZK 250. There is no need to reserve a seat when purchasing a seating ticket. To reserve a specific seat, please write your request in the notes when purchasing your ticket. Fulfillment of your request cannot be guaranteed.